Sergio Garcia survived an incident-packed day to take a three-shot lead into the final round of the Open Championship at Carnoustie.

Garcia, dead last on 30 over par here eight years ago after rounds of 89 and 83, carded a third-round 68 for a nine-under total of 204.

American Steve Stricker lay second on six under after shooting the lowest round ever in an Open at Carnoustie with a brilliant 64, with Ernie Els, Paul McGinley, Padraig Harrington and Paul Broadhurst among seven players sharing third place on three under.

"It's been a wonderful experience and I hope I can play well enough to finish the winner tomorrow," said Garcia, who could become the first European to win a major since Paul Lawrie's triumph in 1999.

It had all been plain sailing for Garcia until the 17th, when his wayward approach to the 461-yard par four injured a man beside the scorecard to the left of the green.

A paramedic was quickly on the scene and the man was able to shake hands with Garcia as he received treatment.

He was given oxygen via a mask but was able to stand up and move around the back of the scoreboard as Garcia pitched onto the green to save par.

"You never want that to happen. When you see the person lying down it's not a good feeling," added the 27-year-old Spaniard, who was probably unaware an errant shot from Tiger Woods had earlier left a female spectator needing two stitches in a head wound.

"But fortunately I was able to shake his hand and he said 'I'm fine'. He was a little bit shaken up but I managed to save a great four."

There was still time for more drama however, with rules officials looking into the possibility Garcia had improved his lie by practising his third shot in front of where his ball lay.

It was quickly ruled he had not gained an advantage and the Ryder Cup star added: "The R&A official told me about it after I signed my scorecard. They said it was fine.

"I made sure I was quite far away from the ball and a little bit left of where I was hitting."